The Merit Badge course is divided into sections. For example, one section is an "Operation Lifesaver" presentation concerning safety around railroads and rail cars. Another section allows the scouts to visit the cab of a steam locomotive and an operating diesel locomotive. Another section compares several different types of railcars in the collection.

Eagle Scouts interested in railroading can opt to adopt a car and supervise renovation. A Denver and Rio Grande Western flat car, once used to haul granite blocks used in construction of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, was restored in 2000 by Philip Hyde of Friendswood as his Eagle Project.

Scouts interested in railroading are also encouraged to become a member of the Museum. Student Memberships are available for $15.00 annually.

The Merit Badge classes are coordinated by Larry Highley. The classes can be taught in one day if desired, or over two to three weekend days. Costs to the participants, which is a one time charge regardless of how many times the class meets, are as follows:

As part of the class is taught outdoors in the yard, we suggest the best time to have classes is in the spring or fall. As with all Merit Badge classes, scouts should have purchased the handbook and have read it before attending the class. To obtain the Merit Badge, scouts must fulfill certain requirements listed in the back of the handbook. By agreement with the Bay Area Council, the requirements in bold are the ones recommended. Any alternative requirements may be substituted if desired.

1. Do THREE of the following:
a. Name three types of modern freight trains. Explain why unit trains are more efficient than mixed freight trains.
b. Explain the terms dynamic braking and radial steering trucks.
c. Using models or pictures identify 10 types of railroad freight or passenger cars. Explain the purpose of each type of car.
d. Explain how a modern diesel or electric engine develops power.

2. Do the following:
a. Explain the purpose and formation of Amtrak. Explain, by the use of a timetable, a plan for making a trip by rail between two cities at least 500 miles apart. List the times of departure and arrival at your destination, the train number and name, and the type of service you want.
b. List and explain the various forms of public/mass transit using rail

3. Do ONE the following:
a. Name four departments of a railroad company. Describe what each does.
or
b. Tell about the opportunities in railroading that interest you most and why

4. Explain the purpose of Operation Lifesaver and its mission

5. Do each of the following:
a. What an automobile driver can do to safely operate a car at grade crossings and list 3 things a driver should never do at a grade crossing
b. How does one report a malfunction of grade crossing warning devices?
c. List safety precautions a pedestrian should follow at a public crossing

6. Explain the appearance and meaning of the following warning signs and devices:
Advance warning sign
Pavement markings
Crossbucks
Flashing red lights
Crossing gates

7. Do EACH of the following
a. Explain how railroad signals operate and show two basic signal types using color or configuration
b. Explain the meaning of three horn signals
c. Describe a way to signal a train for an emergency stop
d. Explain the use and function of the EOTD or FRED used on the last car of most trains

8. Select ONE of the following special interest areas and complete the requirements
a. Model railroading
1. Build one model railroad car kit or locomotive kit
2. Name the scale for four model railroad gauges
b. Railfanning
1. Visit a railroad museum

OTHER POSSIBLE ACTIVITIES IN WHICH THE SCOUTS CAN PARTICIPATE TO ENHANCE THEIR KNOWLEDGE:
1. Field trip to a local yard to observe switching operations.
2. Field trip to Engleside or Settegast hump yard to watch the sorting of rail cars. Perhaps get the scouts into the control tower.
3. Field trip to a refinery to observation unloading of tank cars
5. Visit a location where a signal light is located. Watch the lights change as trains approach, and pass, the signal
4. Work on restoration of a car at a railroad museum

EAGLE SCOUT PROJECTS AVAILABLE
Scouts working toward their Eagle rank have several projects that can be done to benefit the Museum.
  Restore one or more (we have 3) baggage carts
  Create figures to sit in the cab of an engine
  Restore the Museum's 2 hand cars
  Clean and paint a rail car
  or the Scout can investigate the Museum and decide on some other project.

One such project has already been completed. Philip Hyde from Friendswood, TX, decided to redeck the Denver and Rio Grande Southern flat car for his Eagle Scout project. To assist in this effort, his scoutmaster obtained a $1,000 grant from Exxon to purchase materials.